By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
China has announced visa-free entry for Sierra Leonean holders of diplomatic and service passports, allowing them to enter the country and stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
The announcement was made on August 20, 2026, by Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong during a Media Open Day hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, as the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Zhao said the visa-free arrangement is part of broader measures aimed at facilitating travel and strengthening people-to-people exchanges between China and Sierra Leone.
Under the Agreement between China and Sierra Leone on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, Sierra Leonean citizens with valid diplomatic or service passports can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
The Embassy has also removed the appointment requirement for visa applications. Applicants seeking short-term single- or double-entry visas for stays of no more than 180 days are now exempt from fingerprint collection.
Other measures include allowing Sierra Leonean visitors to apply for bank accounts at commercial banks in China, expanding access to mobile payment services and simplifying tax-refund procedures.
Ambassador Zhao said more than 6,000 Sierra Leonean citizens travelled to China in 2025, setting a new record.
The announcement comes amid growing economic ties between the two countries. Bilateral trade reached US$2.3 billion in 2025, an increase of nearly 30 percent over 2024, while Sierra Leone’s exports to China grew by more than 40 percent.
In the first half of 2026, bilateral trade increased by nearly 38 percent.
The 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations has also been marked by cultural and media exchange activities, including the launch of SLBC’s “Talk to China” programme, SLAJ’s “China-Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes” short-video competition and a five-part documentary series produced by SLBC, AYV and Star TV.
Ambassador Zhao, who presented his credentials to President Julius Maada Bio in January 2026, reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Sierra Leone in trade, health, education, infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges.